Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch on the lower right side of your belly that extends from your colon. The discomfort in your lower right abdomen is caused by appendicitis. In most patients, though, discomfort begins about the navel and subsequently spreads.
Appendicitis discomfort usually intensifies as the inflammation progresses, finally becoming severe. Appendicitis may affect anybody, however it is most common in adults between the ages of 10 and 30. Surgical removal of the appendix treatment is the standard therapy. Appendicitis can result in major problems, such as:
- An appendix that has ruptured. An infection develops throughout your abdomen as a result of a rupture (peritonitis). This illness, which is potentially life-threatening, necessitates emergency surgery to remove the appendix and clear your abdominal cavity.
- A pus-filled pouch that arises in the abdomen. If your appendix explodes, you can have an infection pocket (abscess). In most situations, an abscess is drained by inserting a tube into the abscess via your abdominal wall. The tube remained in place for two weeks, and antibiotics are administered to clear the infection.
- You’ll undergo surgery to remove your appendix after the infection has cleared up. The abscess may be drained and the appendix removed right away in some circumstances.
- Acute appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is a kind of appendicitis that occurs suddenly and severely. Between the ages of 10 and 30, it is most frequent in children and young people. It is more common in males than females, according to Trusted Source. Over the course of 24 hours, pain tends to build and worsen swiftly. It need rapid medical attention. It might cause your appendix to burst if left untreated. This can be a life-threatening condition.
- Abscesses
An abscess is a painful pus-filled pocket that develops around a ruptured appendix. Your body’s attempt to combat the illness is represented by these white blood cells. Antibiotics must be used to treat the infection, and the abscess must be drained. During surgery, there may be some drainage. Otherwise, the abscess will be drained with a needle before surgery. Your doctor will provide anaesthetics and utilise ultrasound or CT scan imaging to guide the process.
Complications
- If your appendix ruptures, faeces and germs can flood into your abdominal cavity, causing appendicitis to become very dangerous. A burst appendix can result in a variety of unpleasant and sometimes fatal illnesses, including:
- Antibiotics, surgery, or other treatments may be prescribed by your doctor to prevent or manage problems. You may have adverse effects or problems as a result of your therapy.
- Antibiotic and surgical hazards, on the other hand, are significantly less prevalent and, in most cases, less dangerous than the dangers of untreated appendicitis.
Causes
Appendicitis is caused by an obstruction in the lining of the appendix, which leads to infection. The germs proliferate quickly, inflaming, swelling, and filling the appendix with pus. The appendix might burst if not treated quickly.
How do you know if you have appendicitis?
- Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history if they believe you have appendicitis. They’ll then undertake a physical examination to look for soreness in your lower right abdomen, as well as edoema or stiffness. A digital rectal exam may also be performed.
- Your doctor may request one or more tests to check for evidence of appendicitis or rule out other possible explanations of your symptoms based on the results of your physical exam.
- Appendicitis can’t be diagnosed with a single test. If your doctor is unable to find any other explanations for your symptoms, appendicitis may be diagnosed.
Tests on the blood for appendix treatment
A complete blood count may be ordered by your doctor to look for symptoms of infection (CBC). They will take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab for examination in order to perform this test.
Bacterial infection is frequently associated with appendicitis. Symptoms of appendicitis can also be caused by an infection in your urinary tract or other abdominal organs.
A C-reactive protein test may be ordered by your doctor for appendix treatment to rule out other reasons of stomach inflammation, such as an autoimmune illness or another chronic ailment.
Test for pregnancy
- Ectopic pregnancy is often misdiagnosed as appendicitis. When a fertilised egg implants in a fallopian tube rather than the uterus, this occurs.
- It’s possible that this is a medical emergency.
- A pregnancy test may be performed if your doctor believes you have an ectopic pregnancy. They will take a sample of your urine or blood to perform this test.
- A transvaginal ultrasound for appendix treatment may also be used to determine where the fertilised egg has implanted.
Pelvic examination
Your symptoms might be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, an ovarian cyst, or another ailment affecting your reproductive organs if you were born female. A pelvic exam may be performed by your doctor to evaluate your reproductive organs. They will visually check your vagina, vulva, and cervix during this exam. They will also examine your uterus and ovaries manually. They may take a tissue sample for testing.
CT scans of the lungs
Pneumonia in the lower right lobe of your lungs can similarly mimic appendicitis symptoms.If your doctor suspects pneumonia, a chest X-ray will almost certainly be ordered. In order to obtain comprehensive pictures of your lungs, they may prescribe an ultrasound or a CT scan.
A CT scan produces more detailed pictures of your organs than an ultrasound. However, because there are significant health hazards linked with CT scan radiation exposure, it’s normally only done after an ultrasound and an MRI. A growing foetus may be harmed by CT scans. If you’re of reproductive age, your doctor will initially suggest that you take a pregnancy test.
How to Prepare for an Appendectomy
The procedure to treat appendicitis is called an appendectomy. Your doctor will remove your appendix during this treatment. They will also clear out your abdominal cavity if your appendix has burst. Your doctor may utilise laparoscopy to do minimally invasive surgery in some instances. In certain situations, they may have to remove your appendix through open surgery.
Appendectomy carries various hazards, just like any other operation. Appendectomy, on the other hand, carries less dangers than untreated appendicitis. Learn more about the possible dangers and advantages of this procedure.
There is no foolproof strategy to avoid appendicitis. However, by eating a fiber-rich diet, you may be able to reduce your chance of acquiring IBS. Appendicitis is less prevalent in nations where people consume high-fiber diets, while more study is needed on the potential influence of nutrition.
Conclusion
If you undergo open surgery, you will most likely need to stay in the hospital longer to recuperate. Open surgery is more intrusive than laparoscopic surgery, and it usually needs more post-operative care. Your healthcare expert can assist you in learning how to care for your incision areas before you leave the hospital. Antibiotics or pain medications may be prescribed to aid in your recuperation. During your recovery, they may also urge you to modify your diet, avoid heavy activities, or make other lifestyle adjustments. Book your appointment at Sahyadri Speciality Hospital, Nagar Road and get your appendicitis treated.
Also Read: Which Doctor to Consult for Mouth Ulcer
Also Check : Which doctor to consult for Hair Fall
Also Check: Which Doctor to consult for Back Pain
Also Check : Which Doctor to Consult for Headache
Also Check : Which Doctor to consult for Foreskin Problem
Also Check : Which Doctor to Consult for Burning Feet
Also Check : Which Doctor to Consult for Hernia
Also Check : Which doctor to consult for Urinary problems
Also Check: Which doctor to consult for Breast Pain
Also Check: What to eat after abortion for Fast Recovery